The 6 Best Dumpling Spots in NYC

The best dumplings in NYC are found across a constellation of neighborhoods: there’s Chinatown, of course, but also the East Village, Flushing, Financial District, and even Midtown. So where can you go when you want a delicious helping of hot dim sum? It depends on what neighborhood you want to visit. Below, we spotlight the six best places to get dumplings in New York City, from OG classics to up-and-coming hot spots. (Results based on staff expertise, chef polling, and a readers’ poll. Happy eating!)

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Drunken dumplings’ massive #XLXLB soup dumpling is the size of a large grapefruit. Image: Molly Beauchemin

Drunken Dumpling (For Giant Soup Dumplings)

Drunken Dumpling makes delicious, “farm-to-soup” dumplings from organic meats and vegetables that are sourced from local NYC farms. Their giant, iconic #XLXLB soup dumplings are the size of a large grapefruit. Inside, you’ll find crab, scallops, shrimp, and pork cooked in a generous combination of chicken, pork, and vegetable broth. (The kitchen is run by a charmingly diminutive Chinese woman named Qihui Guan.)

This soup dumpling is so large that 4 people can easily stick straws in it and drink from it like a scorpion bowl (and yes, they do serve this dumpling with a straw for drinking the broth).

For those who are curious, “XLB” is short for “Xiao Long Bao,” aka “soup dumpling.” Soup dumplings are a traditional Chinese steamed bun filled with meat and broth that spills out once you bite into it. The proper way to eat a soup dumpling is to first place the dumpling in the soup spoon that comes with it. Then, take a small bite from the side to let out the steam. Once the broth has cooled a little bit, you can “drink” the broth from inside the noodle casing. Then, eat the rest of dumpling using your chopsticks. (We asked an expert, and this is the preferred method.)

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (Michelin Guide Approved)

Nan Xiang Xiao was listed in the Michelin Guide every year specifically for its soup dumplings. This budget-friend Shanghainese restaurant makes some of the best dumplings in NYC, according to everyone from seasoned experts to Yelp novices.

Soup dumplings as we known them originated in a suburb of Shanghai called Nanxiang, from whence this restaurant gets its name. While service is adequate and by no means reliable, it’s worth it for the thin, beautifully braided golden dumpling noodles and their tender, umami filling. Opt for the traditional pork mainstay or the pork-and-crab combo dumplings. (Or, if you’re like us, get both!)

Joe’s Shanghai (A New York City Classic)

Famous for their soup dumplings and delicious pork shoulder, Joe’s Shanghai is a Chinatown establishment that now has locations in Midtown and Flushing (due to popular demand). New York foodies will appreciate the history and legacy of this place: in 1996, a New York Times reviewer famously said Joe’s Shanghai dumplings were “the best things in the whole world.” The Internet tends to agree.

Start with a shredded turnip shortcake and/or scallion pancake, then move on to the crab meat dumplings. Be sure to leave room for dessert, as the homemade sweet red bean shortcake is easily the best you’ll ever have.

Shanghai 21 (No Frills, Wide Variety)

Shanghai 21 is conveniently located on Mott Street, in the epicenter of New York Chinatown. While the restaurant itself is not elaborate, the menu boasts what might be the city’s widest variety of dumpling flavors. Plus, they deliver! (Check out their menu here.)

Xi’an Famous Foods’ Spicy & Sour lamb dumplings are the talk of the town.

Xi’an Famous Foods (Western Chinese Style)

Xi’an Famous Foods is a New York City specific chain of Western Chinese style noodle and dumpling bars. These small and bustling establishments are wildly popular (an asian friend who now lives in Hong Kong goes to Xi’an Famous Foods first thing whenever she comes back to NYC, if that’s any indication). Second in recognition only to their iconic Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, the Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings do not disappoint. (Get these dumplings if you’re serious about noodles!) With 14 different locations around Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, Xi’an Famous Foods is also easy to find.

Opt for the lamb dumplings in broth if you want more of a soup vibe, or stick to the classic, which comes in a rich, thin sauce. (Be warned that everything here is spicy as a default.) Either way, the dumpling dishes pair beautifully with the shop’s signature Sour Hawberry Tea (they also offer Chinese classics like Chrysanthemum and Jasmine Tea). Vegetarians will love Xi’an’s Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings, which are very popular, as well.

Shanghai You Garden (Delicious and Trendy)

Despite its far-flung location in Flushing, Shanghai You Garden is always busy. Be prepared to wait in line. We also love getting steamed crab meat and pork buns to go; their rich soup filling and delightful crab topping are not to be missed. It’s the little touches that really stand out– like the black sesame and chive garnish atop the soup dumplings. Or the quirky doilies they serve them on! (There’s also a chef’s special that is questionably-titled “Shanghai Style Stinky Tofu”… you’re on your own with that one.)

Like Drunken Dumpling, Shanghai You Garden also serves giant, singular soup dumplings (though these ones are not quite as large). We recommend going with a group and ordering a variety of steamed pork buns, pan-fried dumplings, and Shanghai shao mai. Because all dumplings are better when you share them with friends… right?